#1 – Almonds

Almonds are a common food in the diets of many who eat healthy and live an active lifestyle as they contain omega-3 fatty acids, manganese and vitamin E. Omega-3 reduces inflammation, manganese helps glucosamine quickly repair injured soft tissues and vitamin E is an anti-oxidant.

#2 – Apples

Eating apples means your body will digest more quercetin, a plant polyphenol that is used in many supplements and vitamins, which acts to strengthen cartilage found in your joints. You know what they say… an apple a day keeps the doctor away!

#3 – Bananas

Bananas are rich in fibre, leaving your stomach feeling fuller for longer. They are also rich in potassium, of which deficiencies have been linked to poor joint health and arthritis. Bananas go well in morning smoothies or as a snack throughout the day.

#4 – Avocado

Avocado goes well with a ton of different types of foods: salads, rice bowls, burritos, smoothies and burgers to name a few. This mild fruit is packed with anti-inflammatories and anti-oxidants while also being a great source of omega fatty acids and potassium. You can’t go wrong with some avocado on the daily!

#5 – Mushrooms

Mushrooms are a great source of many nutrients including potassium which is beneficial to the heart, nerves and muscles and copper which helps build red blood cells and soft tissues build the necessary collagen to strengthen themselves as mentioned above.

#6 – Coconut oil

Not only does coconut oil do wonderful things for your brain, it also contains essential oils that hydrate soft tissues, reduce pain and inflammation in joints and protect the body from foreign viruses and bacteria. Try putting a teaspoon of it in your morning smoothie for added flavour and nutrition!

#7 – Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Extra virgin olive oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and anti-oxidants which can dramatically reduce pain and inflammation in injured joints and soft tissues.

#8 – Green tea

Green tea contains special compounds that inhibit the production of molecules that increase joint damage and inflammation in people with rheumatoid arthritis. It also helps reduce inflammation in the soft tissues of people with arthritis and is packed with anti-oxidants to boot.

#9 – Ginger

Ginger can help people with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis by helping to decrease inflammation and joint pain. As a matter of fact, it has been shown that ginger has similar anti-inflammatory properties to that of ibuprofen as it suppresses leukotrienes. Ginger goes well with almost anything!

#10 – Garlic, Leeks, Onions

These similar foods contain a powerful compound made of sulfur that acts to reduce both pain and inflammation in the joints. Try using these to flavour your food instead of using salt; elevated levels of NaCl has been linked to high blood pressure and arthritis.

#11 – Kale

This green is rich in both vitamin C and manganese, which help reduce symptoms of pain and promote tissue repair in injured joints. Surprisingly, kale also has copper in it which helps ligaments and cartilage build collagen to strengthen themselves.

#12 – Papaya

This fruit is rich in vitamins including vitamin A, C and contains the enzyme papain. Vitamin A acts like an anti-oxidant to reduce damage, vitamin C reduces the chances of developing arthritis while papain helps to reduce inflammation in injured joints.

#13 – Broccoli

This go-to vegetable is packed with nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin K and calcium. Calcium is known for its bone-building benefits. It also contains sulforaphane, a compound which according to researchers could slow or prevent the progression of osteoarthritis.

#14 – Pineapple

This delicious tropical fruit contains an enzyme called bromelain, which helps to reduce pain and inflammation in injured joints, so eat lots of pineapple if you find yourself with a sprained ankle or wrist. It also helps heal cuts and bruises!

#15 – Salmon

If you love fish and have joint pain, then you’ll be happy to know that fatty fishes such as salmon, tuna, trout and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids which helps fight inflammation. If you aren’t necessarily a huge fish fan, you can always supplement your diet with omega-3 pills from your local nutrition store.

Foods that DO NOT Benefit Your Joints & Soft Tissues

If you suffer from joint pain on a regular basis, you’ll want to stay clear of these foods: